Glossary of Ski Terms by Skis.com Skiing and snowboarding are two of the greatest winter sports on the planet, and like anything else in this world the two sports have certain terms and jargon that can be confusing without a bit of definition. Below you will find a number of terms/phrases used in skiing and snowboarding to refer to products, clothing, and the sports of skiing and snowboarding in general. We have provided a brief definition to help clear up any confusion or questions you may have on these terms/phrases. Click on any letter below to jump to that section or you may scroll down at your leisure. A ABS Sidewall: Industry term for a type of edge construction on skis and snowboards using high quality ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. All-Mountain Ski: A large percentage of Alpine skis fall into this category. All-Mountain skis are designed to perform in all types of snow conditions and at most speeds. Other names for this style of ski include Mid-Fat skis, All-Purpose skis, and the One-ski Quiver. Alpine Skiing: Downhill skiing, as opposed to Nordic Skiing .

Après-Ski: The day’s over – time for drinks and swapping war stories from the slopes. Audio Helmet: A helmet wired with speakers that allows you to listen to music while skiing. Avalanche Beacon: A safety device worn by skiers, snowboarders, and others in case an avalanche traps them. The beacon transmits a signal (typically at the international standard frequency of 457khz) that rescuers can use to locate a buried person. An essential item for anyone venturing into the backcountry . Avalanche Control: The triggering of avalanches through artificial means, including controlled explosions, to make slopes safe for skiers. The most dangerous task faced by Ski Patrol . B Backcountry: Any area outside of resort boundaries or elsewhere that is not patrolled or cleared of avalanche dangers. This is skiing and snowboarding at your own risk, thus the backcountry is a place for knowledgeable experts only. Balaclava: A facemask worn to cover exposed skin. A key extra whenever you are caught riding a lift in fierce, driving wind or snow. Base: Definition of this term is dependent on the context it is being used for.

Base may be used to describe the under side of a ski or snowboard, the main area at the bottom of a ski resort, or the overall depth of snow. Baseplate: The bottom portion of a ski or snowboard binding. Of vital importance as this is the portion of binding in direct contact with ski/snowboard and therefore transfers all movement. Typically made with high-end plastics for both flexibility and strength. Basket: Typically round or star-shaped plastic piece located at the bottom end of a ski pole. Their primary purpose is to keep your poles from pushing too deep into the snow. Berm: A term for a snowbank, often used to provide stability on the outside of a turn. Binding Plate: See Baseplate . Binding: What connects a ski/snowboard boot to the actual ski/snowboard itself. Ski bindings are designed to release from the ski during a fall, while snowboard bindings do not. Black Diamond: Expert trail denoted on trail maps and signs by a black diamond. The trail may or may not be groomed, and can vary from the merely tricky to insanely difficult. A double black diamond indicates the steepest, most difficult runs at a resort.

Blue Square: Intermediate trail denoted on trail maps and signs by a blue square. Usually groomed and often the most popular runs. Note: At European resorts, a blue run is actually a beginner trail and that red is used to indicate an intermediate skill level. Bomber: Slang term for a skier or snowboarder flying down a slope in an out of control fashion. Bootboard: The platform inside a boot shell that the liner sits atop. Bowl: A large mountain basin, characteristically free of trees and tailor-made for great swooping turns or steep, speedy dives. Brain Bucket: Slang term for a helmet. Bumps: See Moguls . Bunny Slope: An easy and flat area for beginner’s. This area is almost always found near the base area as this is the first lesson stop for a never-ever . Cable Car: See Tram . Camber: The upward curvature in the base of a ski or snowboard. Used to distribute weight of a rider across skis or a snowboard, as well as to provide proper tension for improved response. Determined by the amount of space beneath the center of a ski when it lays on a flat surface with its weight resting on the tip and tail.

Cant: The lateral angle of the boot in relation to the ski or snowboard. Starting from a vertical axis, your feet can be canted inwards or outwards to improve edge control. Cap Construction: A manufacturing technique where the top sheet comes all the way down to the metal edges on the sides of a ski or snowboard; making it part of the overall structure. Carving: A series of clean turns using the edges of skis or a snowboard. Carving turns can vary from tight turns to giant “S” shaped swoops. Carving Ski: Narrower skis designed for tight, clean turns. Cat Skiing: Using a Snowcat to reach and then ski areas that are not accessible by chairlifts. This is similar to Heliskiing , but less expensive. Cat Tracks: Relatively flat paths used by Snowcats to move around a mountain. These are often used by skiers and snowboarders as well to reach different areas within a resort. Chatter: The vibration of skis or snowboards caused by traveling at high speeds. Excessive chatter reduces contact between the ski and the snow and the ability to stay in total control. Chute: A steep and narrow gully, surrounded by rocks most often.

Almost certainly an expert-only run, whether it’s marked or not. Cirque: A deep, steep-walled mountain basin or amphitheater carved out of the mountain by an alpine glacier. Similar to a bowl but generally steeper. Corduroy: A common slang term for the grooves found on a recently groomed trail created by a Snowcat or grooming machine. Called as such for the obvious resemblance to the fabric. Corn Snow: Springtime snow; the repeated melting and refreezing of the snow results in corn-sized icy snow crumbs. Cornice: An overhang of snow caused by constant wind; fun to launch from, but also dangerous as they can snap off at any time. Couloirs: French for “corridor,” a couloir is similar to a chute , but typically steeper and more narrow; suitable for experts only. Crevasse: A deep and often times hidden crack in a glacier or permafrost. Cross-country Skiing: A superb workout and part of the Nordic Skiing family, cross-country-skiing uses narrow skis and bindings where the heel releases. Typically cross-country skiing is done on flat ground as opposed to riding a lift to access downhill skiing.

Crust: Refers to a frozen layer either covering softer snow or buried under a fresh dusting of snow. D Dampening: Term used to describe a tool or technique that reduces the vibrations, also known as chatter , of skis or snowboard that occur at at high speeds. Death Cookies: Slang term for the cookie-sized chunks of ice formed by grooming and snowmaking; a plague at resorts in New England and the Midwest and not often seen in big-mountain Western resorts. Delamination: The separation of a laminate along the plane of its layers. An typical case of delamination occurs with the molded layers on a ski and snowboard separating. This can ruin equipment if not attended to quickly. DIN Settings: The tension release setting that determines the amount of pressure required for a ski binding to release during a crash; stands for the German “Deutsche Industrie Normen.” Dump: Slang term for an epic snowfall of fresh powder ; A t-shirt with the staple slogan, “I love big dumps” can be found in many ski tourist towns. Durometer: The measurement used to determine the hardness of a plastic ski boot shell; the lower the durometer, the softer the shell.

Edge: The sharpened metal strip on the sides of skis and snowboards, used for gaining control by biting into the snow for smoother carving and cutting. Holding an edge is a key to a good turn. Effective Edge: The length of metal edges on the ski that is in actual contact with the snow. Today’s shaped skis have a longer effective edge, resulting in a more stable, easier turning ski. F Fall Line: The most direct line down a trail or slope; known as such as if you fall, that’s the direction you’ll slide. First Tracks: Cutting through fresh snow before anyone else does, leaving behind your trail for all else to see. FIS: French acronym (Fédération Internationale de Ski) for the International Ski Federation, the main international organization of ski sports. Flea Market: See Yard Sale . Flex: Term used for ski boots to describe stiffness of the outer shell . This term can also used describe how much a ski or snowboard bends when pressure is applied; typically, the more expert a skier, the stiffer the ski. Footbed: The removable sole inside a ski boot’s liner . Factory footbeds are typically designed to be replaced, as no two feet are alike.

Custom footbeds can (and should) be made to fit the sole of the foot as closely as possible. Free heel skiing: See Telemark Skiing . Freestyle: A style of skiing or snowboarding primarily focused on tricks. French Fries: Slang term for skiing with skis parallel to one another; the opposite of pizza. Frozen Granular: Older snow that has frozen together, typically a result of being groomed repeatedly. Fun Box: A box found in Terrain Parks built to slide (see Jib ) across on skis or snowboard. G Giant Slalom: Similar to Slalom racing, but with the racing gates placed further apart to allow for faster speeds and wider turns. This discipline uses two pole gates rather than single pole gates. Glade: A stand of trees. Goggles: Protective eyewear used not only to shade the sun and glare, but also to protect from wind, snow, and other potentially blinding objects. Gondola: An enclosed lift that fits, on average, between four to eight passengers; like a mini-cabin, and generally faster than an open chairlift.

Grab: Holding onto any part of your skis or snowboard while in the air; used to add both style to a trick and to maintain balance. See Indy or Mute for grab examples. Granular Surface: A term for snow that has been packed down and possibly groomed ; definitely not fresh powder , but instead countless tiny pellets of ice and worn out snow. Green Circle: The easiest trails on a mountain, denoted on trail maps and signs by a green circle. Usually groomed , wide and flat, and not a place for experienced skiers as traffic must remain slow. Note: European resorts will use blue as the color to indicate an easy trail. Grooming: The most common form of trail maintenance, done to spread new snow and to smooth over bumps, icy patches and other obstacles. To groom, tractors known as Snowcats drag giant rakes over the snow; on steeper slopes, winches are used to drag rakes up the incline. H Halfpipe: A U-shaped channel with smooth walls used by freestyle skiers and snowboarders for aerial tricks.

Typically a halfpipe is created by carving a channel out of massive piles of snow, but they can also be dug out of the ground in areas with minimal snowfall. Hardgoods: A catch-all term used to classify ski and snowboard equipment, including the skis, snowboards, boots and bindings. Hardpack: A term for snow that has been densely packed due to repeated grooming or skiing and the lack of fresh snowfall. Headwall: A steep to vertical cliff found at the end of a valley; often the uppermost part of a Cirque . Heliskiing: The holy grail for experienced, expert skiers. Skiers are transferred by helicopter into the backcountry to ski off-trail through fresh tracks on virgin powder . While it is expensive and potentially dangerous, it is also exhilarating and not something everyone can say they have done. Herringbone: To climb uphill on skis, spreading them apart to keep from sliding backwards; called as such due to the geometric pattern left behind in the snow. I In-bounds: Term used to describe ski terrain inside the boundaries of a ski resort; the opposite of out-of-bounds .

Indy Grab: Grabbing the toe edge of your snowboard between the bindings with your rear hand; the most basic grab . Similarly executed on skis by grabbing a ski’s outside edge. Integrated Binding: A binding system provided with skis that are designed to work specifically with that ski. Quickly becoming the industry standard as they provide better flex by bending with the ski to increase control and the transfer of power. J Jib: Riding a snowboard or skis across on a non-snow surface, be it a rail , fun box , or even fallen log. Last: A boot maker’s term for the interior shape of a ski boot. Lasted Liner: A ski boot term used to describe the best type of liner constructed around a mold of the actual foot size for an improved fit. Lateral Upper-cuff Adjustment: An adjustment on some ski boots that allows the user to shift the upper boot. Useful for bowlegged or knock-kneed people who need to adjust their upper boot to the angle of their lower legs. Liftie: A slang term for a ski lift operator. Liner: The removable, soft inner boot designed to provide both support and padding against the hard outer shell of a ski boot.

M Magic Carpet: A conveyor-belt like surface lift. Typically found only on smaller, bunny slopes where younger kids learn to ski and snowboard. Mashed Potatoes: A slang term for wet and heavy snow. Memory Foam: A layer of foam within a ski boot designed to mold to a skier’s foot over time. Micro-fleece: An improved form of fleece, with a tighter, less dense knit that cuts down on size. A great material to use for a middle layer. Mid-fat Ski: Another term for an All-Mountain Ski . Milk Run: The first run early in the day. Moguls: Bumps carved into the snow; typically they are created by the turns of skiers, but they can also be carved out for perfectly shaped mogul field. Mondopoint: The standard European measurement for shoe sizes, commonly used for ski boots. It’s based on the mean foot length for which the shoe is suitable, measured in centimeters. To determine U.S. sizing from Mondopoint, simply add the first and second digits together, and then add the decimal point (you will need add 1 to you calculated result to convert a U.S. men’s size to a women’s).

For Mondopoint sizes greater than 30.0, add 9.0 to get the correct conversion (e.g., Mondo 30.0: 3 + 0 + .0 + 9 = 12.0). Monoski: A type of ski with both boots attached to a single board. Monoskis became relatively popular in Europe, but never quite caught on in the United States. This term is also used to refer to the “sit-ski” used by handicapped skiers. Mute Grab: Grabbing the toe edge of your snowboard between the bindings with your front hand. Similarly executed on skis by grabbing a ski’s outside edge. N NASTAR: A worldwide program that allows ski or snowboard racers of all ages and abilities to compare themselves with one another through an intricate handicapping system. NASTAR is an acronym for NAtional STAndard Race. Never-ever: A first time skier or snowboarder. No-fall Zone: An area where falling will likely lead to serious injury; the initial entry into a steep chute is often described as a no-fall zone.

Nordic Skiing: Most commonly used to refer to cross-country skiing, but in fact can be any form of skiing where the heel of the boot releases from the binding. Along with cross-country, common forms of Nordic skiing include Telemark Skiing and ski jumping. O Off-piste: Out-of-bounds. Off a trail and other areas not marked on trail map; sometimes used in place of backcountry . Piste: The French word for “trail.” Pit Zips: Jacket zippers located under the armpits allowing the user to circulate air through jacket on warmer days. Pizza: Slang term for a elementary skiing technique where skis are tilted together like a slice of pizza to snowplow down a slope. Pole Grip: The handle on a ski pole. Powder: Fresh, dry and lightweight snow that for many is the Holy Grail of skiing and snowboarding. Large amounts of fresh powder make for epic skiing conditions. Powder Skis: Designed to float atop powder , these skis are particularly popular in areas that receive frequent major storms.

The mega-wide waist widths – ranging from 105mm to 130mm – keep the skis from sinking deep into fresh snow, but they can be challenging and sluggish to control on groomed runs. Power Strap: The Velcro strap at the top end of a ski boot used to make sure that the top of the boot gives a snug fit connecting to the calf and shin. R Racing Ski: Typically stiffer, longer, and narrower than the average ski.Sometimes known as Slalom or Giant Slalom skis. Racing Boot: Designed for racing, these boots are stiffer and often more narrow than the average boot. Rail: A bar, typically metal, built to be slid up by skiers and snowboarders. Almost exclusively found in a Terrain Park . Reverse Camber: The downward arc formed in a ski or snowboard by applying pressure from above. The more pressure applied, the greater amount of reverse camber created, thus loading the skis or snowboard with more energy for turning. Some skis are designed with reverse camber, which is built-in to keep the tips floating above the snow.

Rope Tow: A common surface lift, typically found running up beginner bunny slopes ; a constantly moving rope that yanks skiers up the slope as they stand on their skis or snowboard. Runout: A flat expansive area at the end of run that allows racers to slow down, as well as a fairly flat run used to link tougher trails back to a ski lift. Schussing: Skiing straight downhill without turning. Shaped Skis: Term used to describe the hourglass shape utilized by the majority of skis today. Wider in the tips and tails and narrower at the waist , shaped skis require less effort to turn as the shape itself initiates a curve. The degree of actual shape depends on how much sidecut has been built in. Also know as parabolic skis. Shell: The hard plastic outer portion of a ski boot. Shovel: (ski): The front end of a ski, which often bows out to a larger shovel shape to avoid sinking into snow. Sidecut: The inner curvature of a ski or snowboard, measured by the difference between the narrowest point in waist of a ski or snowboard to the widest points at the tip and tail.

The curvature of a sidecut is the key component in creating a turning radius ; the more drastic the sidecut, the sharper the turn. Six-pack: Slang term for a chair lift carrying six people. Ski Boards: Extremely short skis that are like a cross between skiing and inline skating. Also known as snowblades. Ski Brake: A required attachment for ski bindings designed to stop a ski from shooting downhill after being detached. Ski Patrol: Trained skiers and snowboarders responsible for slope safety, including clearing areas of possible avalanche danger after a storm, marking dangerous obstacles on/near a trail, and assisting or even carting injured riders down a mountain. Skier’s Left: Used to describe the area to the left of someone heading downhill. Skier’s Right: Used to describe the area to the right of someone heading downhill. Ski-in: Accommodation that can be reached from the ski area via skis or snowboard. Skijoring: A version of skiing in which the skier is attached to a set of dogs or a horse by a waistband and then pulled across flat ground.

Skins: Synthetic or mohair strips of material that can be temporarily affixed to the bottom of skis for climbing up hills. Used to access higher elevations in the backcountry without constantly slipping backwards. Ski-out: Accommodation from which it’s possible to ride from the door to the lifts. Ski-walk Adjustment: An adjustment on some ski boots that allows the upper cuff to hinge backward, giving room for a more natural walking motion when skis are off. Slalom: A form of downhill skiing where racers head downhill on a course line with tightly spaced gates that must be passed between with short, quick turns; see also Giant Slalom . Snowcat: A tracked vehicle used for moving around snowy, mountainous areas; often seen dragging giant rakes as they groom runs, but also used to transport riders into the backcountry for cat skiing . Snowplow: A beginner’s technique for slowing down on skis. Done by bringing the front tips of a pair of skis together, pushing the tails apart, and applying pressure on the skis’ inside edges. Also called pizza . Snowskate: Similar to a skateboard deck without wheels, designed to be ridden on snow for freestyle tricks.

Softgoods: Catch-all term used to classify ski and snowboard clothing, including jackets, gloves, long underwear, and hats. Straight-lining: See Schussing . Super G: The fastest discipline in Alpine racing. Similar to Giant Slalom but with even fewer turns to negotiate allowing higher speeds. Superpipe: A larger version of a regular halfpipe ; walls in a superpipe can measure up to 20ft. Surface Lifts: Lifts that drag, yank, or pull skiers up a slope along the ground as opposed to in the air; see Rope Tow , T-bar , and Magic Carpet . Tail: The back end of a ski. T-bar: A surface lift that pulls you up hill by grabbing onto and then sitting on a plastic T-shaped arm suspended from a moving line. Often found on small and flat beginner slopes, but they can also be found high up a mountain in steep areas where a chairlift can’t or hasn’t yet been built. Telemark Skiing: Part of the Nordic Skiing family and a hybrid of downhill and cross-country skiing . Skiing with detached heels allows for traversing across flat ground but telemark skis are also wide enough to handle high speeds and sharp turns.

Known for its distinctive forward bent knee “telemark” turn. Sometimes called “free heel skiing.” Terrain Park: A freestyle zone roped off from other downhill runs and filled with jumps, rails , fun boxes , and other assorted obstacles. Parks can also include a halfpipe and boardercross run. Tracked Out: Slang term for a slope of once fresh snow that has been ridden over repeatedly. Tram: The largest aerial lift; the bus-size cabins can hold upwards of 100 passengers, and are most often used to cover long vertical distances. Transition: The section of a halfpipe linking the vertical walls to the flat floor; also know as trannies. Traverse: Skiing across a slope, often in a zigzag pattern, as opposed to straight down; typically done to keep speeds down on steep surface or to cut across a mountain. Tree Line: The altitude at which trees stop growing on a mountain. In the U.S., the tree line floats between 8,000 and 10,000 ft, while in Europe it tends to be lower; closer to 7,000 ft.

Tree Well: A dangerous hollow space formed around the base of trees after heavy snowfalls; fatal accidents can occur by falling into one. Turning Radius: A function of sidecut , the turning radius equals the natural circle that a pair of skis or a snowboard can make on edge . The more dramatic the sidecut, the tighter the turning radius. Twin Tip: Skis where both the tail and tip are turned up at the end, enabling a skier to ski backwards with ease. Originally popular only with freestyle skiers, as the twin tip shape allows for reverse (known as fakie or switch) take-offs and landings off jumps. Modern advancements, however, have seen twin tip shapes appear more often in big mountain skis, as they shape handles smoothly in powder conditions. U - There are no ski terms in our glossary that begin with the letter U at this time. W Waist Width: Measurement taken of the narrowest portion across a ski or snowboard, usually the middle of the sidecut . Wax: Used on the base of skis and snowboards to keep them gliding smoothly over variable snow conditions. New skis and snowboards will typically come waxed, but should be tuned after several uses.

Waxless Skis: A type of cross-country ski designed with a crosshatch or fish-scale pattern on the base that reduces or eliminate the need for wax . Wedge Turn: See Snowplow . White Out: When visibility drops to almost nothing; caused by heavy snowfall, fog, or a combination of the two. Wind Packed: A term used to describe snow that has been compressed by the movement of the wind. Piste synonyms, piste antonyms - FreeThesaurus.com Piste synonyms, piste antonyms - FreeThesaurus.com a flat rectangular area for fencing bouts Related Words a ski run densely packed with snow Related Words Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Write what you mean clearly and correctly. References in periodicals archive ? If you have longer in the resort, you can ski to neighbouring Lenk using your area lift pass and also access extensive pistes at Zweisimmen.

Skier finds his high up in the Austrian Alps Le president de l'ADMR a fait etat egalement de la realisation d'une etude technique pour l'entretien de la piste d'acces a la Mechyakha Achq, dans la province d'El Haouz, ainsi que des etudes des projets d'approvisionnement des habitants en eau potable comme c'est le cas du douar Tarkhist dans la commune d'Amizmiz (Province d'El Haouz). Ski Holidays For Beginners - Mark Warner Holidays Ski Holidays For Beginners To book call 0333 305 9795 Make this the winter you learn to ski! If you’ve always yearned to take to the pistes but been put off by the technical jargon, the need for specialist equipment and the seemingly endless array of ski resorts to choose from, we’re here to help. We live and breathe skiing – and we want to help you fall hopelessly in love with it just as we did.

For those daunted by where to start, we dispense with all the hassle – helping you to purchase the right ski pass, organising your ski hire and advising you on ski school. That’s in addition to taking care of the flights, transfers and meals, and providing the most welcoming places to stay! What are you waiting for? Our sales team is on hand to answer any questions you might have, however small, while once you’re in resort our experienced hotel managers and staff are only too happy to help, whether it’s getting you to ski school or advising on the best places to enjoy a little après-ski… Adult Beginner Ski Weeks 2017 Let us take the hassle out of booking your first ski holiday. Our Chalet Hotel Christina in La Plagne is the destination to learn to ski with other like-minded Mark Warner guests. We’ll have you learning to stop and parallel turning in no time. 29 January & 12 March 2017 Adult beginner week from £420 Includes 5 days morning ski school, 6 day lift pass & equipment hire This course should be pre-booked in the UK. Prices are in addition to the holiday price.

Holiday prices and dates 29th January 2017 from £1,458 per person, based on two sharing 12th March 2017 from £929 per person, based on two sharing To book your Adult Beginner Ski Week call our travel experts on 0333 305 9795. Ski & Snowboard School Ski and Snowboard School Would you like to try your hand at skiing but think that only kids go to ski school? Not so, in all our resorts, our chosen ski schools run adult classes for beginner skiers and snowboarders and lessons are taken in small groups by an English speaking instructor. The making of a good skier or snowboarder is learning the basics correctly from the outset, and from there progressing to feeling comfortable on your skis or board. Once you have got the basics, you will start to enjoy the sheer thrill of the sport. All the ski schools that we work closely with, are selected for their professionalism, value for money and experience (many have won awards in the past). Ski school places are pre-bookable in the UK and we advise you do so as places are often in high demand, especially over peak season.

We ask guests to put themselves in one of the below categories when booking ski school. Level 0 Never skied before or half a day on a dry slope Level 1 Can do basic snow plough turns happy on green slopes Level 2 Strong snow plough starting to parallel turn Level 3 Parallel turns on blue slopes Level 4 Confident parallel turns on blue and red slopes but needing confidence for black Level 5 Confident on all slopes Level 6 Competition standard - free-ride & free-style Getting Started Getting Started Getting started is always a bit bumpy, and the only way to learn is to enrol yourself in ski school and be taught the basics by an expert. As a beginner, you can be assured that on your first day out on the slopes, you will probably fall over! But a little perseverence and you will be making parallel turns down the mountain in no time and will even know how to stop! Skiing as a beginner is a little more tiring than for the more experienced skier, and at the end of the first couple of days you will welcome the return to your Chalet hotel. A lovely hot bath and an apres ski drink at the hotel bar soon eases away those aches and pains.

At all resorts we cater for the beginner skier, however, some resorts are better for learning than others. Take a look at the resort maps and highlighted information on each resort page as a guide, but do remember that as a beginner you will be mainly skiing on nursery and green runs for your first few days, progressing to blue runs by the end of the week. Beginners often think they have to miss out on the aprés ski fun if its up the mountain, but that is not the case at all. Most resorts have a free bus service which takes you from the village to the slopes where there are some super bars and restaurants. Alternatively take the cable car down at the end of the day and rest those tired legs. Holiday prices include flights, resort transfers, accommodation, breakfast, tea, dinner with wine, ski hosting and lift pass collection service. Ski Packing Ski Packing After you have booked your ski holiday your thoughts will soon turn to what you need to pack for your trip. Ski, snowboard, boots and helmet hire are available at all ski resorts, and we recommend you do hire these items as a beginner skier. Below is our checklist of what to consider when packing.

Equipment If this is your first time on a skiing holiday, you may wish to rent your equipment while you are out there. Our ski hire shops will recommend what is required for you to get the best out of your first ski experience. Experienced skiers will usually have their own boots (tried, tested and they know they are comfortable) and often their own skis, but this is certainly not recommended if you are starting out. It is far more economical to hire your boots, so that you have the ability to change them if they are not comfortable. Once happy with the comfort of a boot, and you are loving your skiing, then it is well worth purchasing them. The biggest complaint of the complete novice is cold feet. Or sore feet. Or cut off circulation. This is because the boots you are using don't fit. Boots should allow you to wiggle your toes. If you can't wiggle your toes, then your feet will be cold. But, boots should not allow you to turn your foot side-to-side within the boot. If you can turn your foot inside the boot, you won't have a chance to control your skis.

Don't be rushed in the ski hire shop and try as many boots as you need before you find the right ones. Even if you have a pair of old skis or boots, learning to ski on a modern pair of skis is not only safer than skiing on old skis, but, it will help you progress faster. Skis come in all shapes and sizes and the ski hire shop staff will advise on the best ski and boot for your height, weight and ability. Equipment Checklist Day rucksack - Many people simply load their pockets, but the greater capacity of a small rucksack can be useful on the slopes Helmet - A personal preference, but highly recommended, particularly for children. It also has the added advantage of keeping you warm. Wrist guards (for beginner snowboarders) – Your wrists can come under strain if you take a tumble, so wear wrist guards to protect them against injury Water bottle Clothes It is highly recommended that you by your ski wear here in the UK. Don’t just look in snow specialist shops, sport outlets often have ski sections where ski clothes can be cheaper and Primark is always a good spot to pick up an end of line ski jacket.

If you are buying clothes for children, look for items which will stand out so you can easily spot them in groups but also unisex outfits which can be passed on to siblings once they are outgrown. Ski/Snowboard Wear Checklist Waterproof ski/board jacket - ensure it's one designed for the slopes and has snow specific features such as a snow skirt Waterproof ski/board trousers - also known as salopettes. Make sure they allow you full unrestricted movement Waterproof Ski/board gloves Goggles and sunglasses - Take both: goggles are essential for when it's snowing and poor visibility on the mountain, but sunglasses are more comfortable if it's sunny and warm, especially at lunch stops Warm hat - Essential for covering your ears Scarf or neck warmer - Neck warmer tube style scarves are less likely to unravel and fall in the snow Thermal and long sleeved tops for base layers - This will be in contact with your skin all day, so make sure it's sweat wicking Thermal bottoms to wear under your salopettes; leggings, long john, tights Breathable fleece top for cold weather - This will be the mid layer of your clothes layering system Long ski/boarding socks.

These specialist socks are worth the extra money, especially for skiers as they have extra padding on the shins Resort Wear Checklist Walking boots or snow shoes Swim suit for sauna, hot tub or pool Casual clothes for the evening, layers are key as hotels and chalets can be warm. Over the shoulder bag. You don’t want to be clutch a bag in busy bars and clubs. Mountain Specific Toiletries High factor sunscreen - The sun can be unforgiving up on the mountain, reflecting off the snow. Apply to all exposed skin and re-apply often. Lip protection with high SPF - Lips can get cracked up in the cold dry air so lip protection is a must. Day Checklist There’s nothing more annoying than getting to the first lift and realising you have forgotten your lift pass, so here’s our mountainside checklist: Day rucksack Cash - For when you fancy lunch, or a drink on the mountain. Lip salve and sun screen - If you're in a group, you can always borrow this off someone else, but having your own is more convenient. Snack - Being on the slopes all days uses a lot of energy.

Something small and high energy like a cereal bar or flapjack is perfect Water - Just because it's cold, don't forget to drink! Lift pass - Put it in your ski/boarding jacket pocket (preferably one designed for lift passes) and don't take it out during your holiday. Piste map - Essential for planning your route across the resort Insurance details A Air Air, as in ‘catching air’, refers to jumps and tricks where the skier or boarder leave the slope to become airborne. The greater the height, the bigger the ‘air’. Altitude Sickness Sickness that occurs at high elevation, usually above 8000 feet and is caused by the lower level of oxygen found at such high altitudes. It rarely affects holiday skiers and the more severe symptoms of altitude sickness tend to occur at altitudes of 3,600m (about 12,000 feet) and above. Après-Ski Après-Ski refers to drinking on the mountain side or in resort bars ‘after skiing’ and if you’re up for it, partying too! It often involves a glass or two of Vin Chaud, Glühwein or some other variety of hot wine.

Average Annual Snowfall The amount of snow a ski area gets within a year. For example Val d’Isere in France receives around 6m of snowfall a year. If you are concerned about the amount of snow it’s worth considering higher altitude resorts and those with good snowmaking facilities and coverage. B Base Layers / Thermal Underwear Undergarments, including thermal tops and legging-type bottoms for giving skiers and snowboarders an extra layer of insulation. Natural fabrics, such as merino wool, are good, itch-free, breathable options. Beanies Head-hugging, brimless, knitted hats. Bindings Bindings are the fixtures that attach your boots to your skis or snowboard. Bindings are set to a skier’s ability, height and weight and it is essential to seek assistance from a certified ski technician to have bindings mounted and adjusted so they operate safely. Black Run Black is the colour used to mark the most difficult runs to ski on the slopes and should only be tackled once skiers and boarders can confidently handle red runs.

Black runs are usually steep and may or may not be groomed or could be groomed for moguls This is quite a wide classification; black runs can be only marginally more difficult than a red or very steep chutes. Blue Run Blue is the colour used to mark moderate runs. These easy runs are almost always well groomed, or on such a shallow slope that grooming is not needed. Boot Fitter A ski boot fitter is a professional trained to fit ski boots. Ski boots are the platform that transfers the technique, power and precision to the skis, and need to be supportive, stable and comfortable, which is why it’s important to have them fitted by a professional. Bubble Lift A bubble lift is a chairlift with a hood that slides over the skiers on the chair to protect them from the elements as they travel up the mountain. The skiers will pull the hood over them with their hands and lift it as they approach the summit before skiing off the chair. Button Lift Often used in beginner areas in France, button lifts comprise of poles with button-shaped seats on the end that are suspended from an overhead cable. You put the seat between your legs, then hold onto the pole as it drags you up the slope.

C Cabriolet Ski Lift A cabriolet is an open gondola type of ski lift which typically takes skiers from a parking area or a lower part of a resort to a higher level. Carving Carving is when you ski a turn with very little skidding, using the edges of your skis. Catching an Edge Catching an edge is when the leading edge of your ski or board digs into the snow, making you lose balance and fall, or nearly fall over. It’s a fundamental part of learning to snowboard and also why it is often considered a painful experience. However, when a boarder gains experience they will learn how to avoid catching an edge, spot the warning signs and recover when they get close to it. Chair Lift A cable-suspended aerial chair used to carry skiers and their equipment up mountain slopes. Chalet A typical building or house native to the Alpine region of Europe. Couloir French for corridor, a couloir is a narrow passageway with a steep gradient between two vertical mountain crevasses, resembling a gorge. Cross Country Skiing A type of endurance skiing that usually takes place on flatter trials and smaller hills, than piste skiing.

Crud Crud is snow that is crusty on the surface and soft underneath. It is usually a combination of powder snow and ice. Cruising Skiing down a run at a relaxed speed. D Skiing down a slope in a zig-zag pattern. F Face Shot When a skier or boarder ends up with a face full of snow when travelling through deep powder. Fakie Travelling backwards on your snowboard. Flex Flex is the amount of bending resistance a ski has. Fleeces Usually made from light weight, soft fabric, a fleece is a warm top often used in mountain sports as an insulating garmet. Freeriding Snowboarding across any terrain with no set course, goals or rules to abide by. Freestyle Freestyle skiing or snowboarding involves tricks and jumps. G Goggles Glasses used to protect a skier from the sun, snow and wind. Tinted lenses can increase visibility in poor condition, while vents and anti-fog features also help stop your breath from steaming them up. Glacier A glacier is a large slow moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains. In some ski resorts ski runs have been created on glaciers.

Glade Skiing Skiing back and forth through forest. Gloves Ski gloves are essential when skiing and snowboarding. Pick a hardwearing, waterproof pair that will protect your hands from the harsh elements. Gnarly This is an adjective to describe when someone has done something very daring and cool. Like a huge jump or dangerous off piste section. Gondola An enclosed ski lift that is suspended by cables and takes skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. Goofy Snowboarders who board with their right foot forward. It is the opposite of ‘regular’, which is boarding with the left foot forward. Green Run Green is the colour used to mark the easiest runs – the ‘baby’ or learner slopes. They are usually large open and gently sloping areas at the base of the slopes. Groomed A piste is ‘groomed’, when piste-bashing machines have smoothed and compacted the surface level of snow to make it more manageable for skiers and boarders. H Half-Pipe A structure that resembles a cross section of a swimming pool and is used in skiing, skating and other gravity sports to perform tricks.

Handwarmers Heat pads, usually activated by kneading and shaking the pads, designed for keeping your hands warm. Heli-Skiing Heli-Skiing is off-piste, downhill skiing that is reached by a helicopter. Helmet Helmets are now considered essential safety wear by most skiers or snowboarders. They are particularly important for beginners, children and in icy conditions. Hydration Pack A hydration pack is a flexible, light-weight pack that you fill with water and fit into a backpack or attach to your back. Perfect for skiing or boarding, they are ideal for staying hydrated during physical activities. J Jibbing This is when you jump off literally everything and anything. Any bump. Mogul or lip is seen as a ramp to perform a small trick. L Leading Edge The edge on a ski or snowboard that is in front with respect to the direction of travel. Lift Pass or Lift Ticket An electronic pass that allows you to access the ski area and that usually needs to be scanned before boarding ski lifts. Liftie A nick-name used to describe ski lift operators. M Moguls A series of lumps on a run, formed when skiers push the snow into mounds or piles by taking similar paths down the slope.

Moguls are challenging for all but the most advanced and are sometimes purposely constructed for advanced freestyle skiing. Mittens Often snowboarders opt for this type of glove as they have extra padding and tougher materials for hands that are in more frequent contact with the snow and ground. They can also be warmer as your fingers remain grouped together, retaining the warmth for longer. For skiers, however, it can be harder to grip a pole when wearing mittens. N Neck Gaiter One piece of circular material that goes over your head to sit next to your neck and protect you from the wind and cold. Neck gaiters can be warmer and more practical than scarves as you do not need to worry about them unravelling and getting in your way. O Off-Piste Skiing away from the marked trails and runs on ungroomed terrain. Beware that the snow texture will change and if it has snowed recently you will sink into the soft snow. If you would like to try off-piste skiing make sure you check that your winter sports travel insurance covers you for it and consider hiring a guide to get the most out of the experience, whilst staying safe on the mountain.

P Snow that has been compressed and flattened by skiers, boarders or mountain grooming equipment. Parallel Skiing This is a skiing technique where your skis stay parallel to each other throughout each turn. This is generally considered to be the proper way to ski when you are ready to advance from the snowplough. The skier is usually facing straight down the slope and changes direction slightly to control speed and navigate around objects. Park/Snow Park An area of the resort marked off for freestyle skiers and boarders with kickers, rails, boxes and often a half/quarter pipe used for performing jumps and tricks. Piste A downhill area in the form of a ski run or path marked for skiing, snowboarding and other mountain sports. Pistes are usually maintained by piste-bashing machines, which compact or groom the piste to even out bumps, remove moguls and redistribute the snow. Poles Poles that skiers use to improve balance and propulsion. Pommel Tow Also known as a ‘Pomalift’, this is a skiing rope tow with a plastic plate that you put between your legs to be dragged uphill. R Red is the colour used to mark intermediate level runs.

S Salopettes Waterproof trousers worn by skiers and snowboarders to keep legs warm and dry. Choose a style that has the appropriate features, such as breathable or highly insulating fabric, zip vents and reinforced layers, for your chosen sport, as well as the weather conditions of the resort you will be visiting. Slalom A race that combines downhill speed with technical ability. The course is marked by gates made by poles that the skier has to manoeuvre through with a series of quick turns. Ski Boot A purposely designed boot for skiing in, which is fitted to skis with bindings. Ski Jacket A snowproof jacket that is waterproof and insulated. Skiers and boarders can choose from all sorts of features, such as detachable hoods, mobile phone pockets, internal lift pass pockets, and should look for one with an elastic gaiter, known as a snowskirt, for preventing snow from flowing up the jacket should they fall. Ski Lift Lifts used to take skiers and boarders up mountains to designated ski areas. Ski Run A ski run is a trail or path that skiers and snowboarders follow to get down the mountain.

Ski runs are classified by the colours; green, blue, red and black, with green being the easiest and black being the most difficult run. Ski/ Snowboard Socks Socks designed for skiing or snowboarding. The most comfortable ones are shaped and cushioned, warm and breathable. Look out for a technical sock which will have padding in the toe and heel area and cushioning around the shin to protect against the top of the boot, whilst the fabric ensures warmth and ventilation. Ski Tubes A type of ski sock that has no tailored heel. Snow Boots Normal shoes will not keep you dry and warm, or have enough grip for walking around snowy ski resorts. Snow boots are boots especially designed for this reason and come in a range of fashionable and practical designs. Snowmobile / Ski-Doo

Question: What word is used to describe a marked ski run or an area where fencing takes place?
Answer: Piste